Universal adaptor and disconnect for accessory ignition

ABSTRACT

An adaptor permits an accessory ignition system to be installed on both U.S. and foreign vehicles having different types of ignition coil terminals, without requiring wire splices. A pair of push-on connectors that will mate with tap type terminals are mounted on a flexible, insulated strip, and a pair of tab components are attached to the strip by threaded fasteners for receiving the wiring connectors disconnected from the coil terminals. For use with ignition coil terminals of the threaded post type, the tab components are installed on the terminal posts in order to accommodate the push-on connectors. Leads extend from the adaptor to the accessory ignition, and specially arranged male and female connector units are interposed in series in the leads to provide a means of disconnecting the accessory ignition if desired and returning the standard ignition to regular operation.

United States Patent 1 Pattee UNIVERSAL ADAPTOR AND DISCONNECT FORACCESSORY IGNITION [76] lnventor: Warren K; Pattee, 1200 E. 44th St.,

Kansas City, Mo. 64110 [22] Filed: Feb. 2, 1973 211 App]. No.: 329,079

[52] 1.15. CI.. 339/31 R, 339/10, 339/151 M, 123/148 DS [51] Int. Cl.H0lr 33/00, H01r 13/50 [58] Field of Search 123/148 D5, 148 E; 307/10 R;315/77, 209 T, 209 M, 209 PZ, 209 SC; 339/10, 19, 27, 28, 31, 148, 149,150,151,198 R, 219, 272 R, 272 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 480,152 8/1892 Tobey 339/198 R 1,023,552 4/1912 Cunningham307/10 R 2,173,870 9/1939- I Weston 123/148 DS 2,412,540 12/1946 Sellaro123/148 DS 2,636,065 4/1953 Fiske 339/149 R 2,787,649 4/1957 Ballard etal.. 315/209 T 2,788,780 4/1957 Neubauer 123/148 DS 1 3,168,891 2/1965Cook 123/148 DS v 3,299,199 1/1967 Mattingly 339/198 R 3,357,418 12/1967Goodman 123/148 D5 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 115,133 12/1899Germany 339/150 F 325,632 2/1930 Great Britain 339/148 PrimaryExaminerBobby R. Gay Assistant Examiner1.awrence J. Staab Attorney,Agent, or FirmD. A. N. Chase [5 7 ABSTRACT An adaptor permits anaccessory ignition system to be installed on both US. and foreignvehicles having different types of ignition coil terminals, withoutrequiring wire splices. A pair of push-on connectors that will mate withtap type terminals are mounted on a flexible, insulated strip, and apair of tab components are attached to the strip by threaded fastenersfor receiv- I ing the wiring connectors disconnected from the coilterminals. For use with ignition coil terminals of the threaded posttype, the tab components are installed on the terminal posts in order toaccommodate the push-on connectors. Leads extend from the adaptor to theaccessory ignition, and specially arranged male and female connectorunits are interposed in series in the leads to provide a means ofdisconnecting the accessory ignition if desired and returning thestandard ignition to regular operation.

8 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures UNIVERSAL ADAPTOR AND DISCONNECT FORACCESSORY IGNITION This invention relates to improvements in theinstallation of accessory ignition systems in automotive vehicles.

In internal combustion engines for motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, andstationary applications, capacitive discharge ignition systems andsolid'state ignition systems in general are a substantial improvementover the standard breaker points, condenser and ignition coilarrangement in use for a number of years. These improved ignitions areespecially popular in the automotive field with racing and performanceenthusiasts, since a capacitive dischargesystemprovides a spark plugvoltage having a faster rise time and materially flattens the voltageversus rpm curve of the engine. The result is a much hotter spark at thehigher engine speeds. Furthermore, savings in the life of spark plugs,distributor points, and condenser are realized, together with a decreasein'fuel consumption. A capacitive discharge system is disclosed in aprior patent of the applicant, U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,378.

However, for the performance enthusiast or the ordinary automobile ownerwho wishes to benefit from improved ignition, the capacitive dischargeor other solid state ignition is usually added as an accessory itemsupplanting the standard ignition provided by the vehicle manufacturer.The user normally desires to install the accessory ignition himself, butthe installation thereof bility may also prevent the owner fromtransferring the accessory ignition to another vehicle.

There are also instances where, once installed, the owner wishes todisconnect the accessory ignition and operate on the original ignitionsupplied with the vehicle. Although shorting plugs and the like havebeen used in the past to facilitate this, such plugs are easilymisplaced if not connected to the ignition wiring and, if this is done,then the pinsof the plug'may become corroded or covered with engine oiland thus become unusable.

It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention toprovide an adaptor for connecting an accessory electrical apparatus withan ignition coil that may have terminals of different types dependingupon the manufacturer, wherein the adaptor is universal in character andenables the installation to be made without splicing into the existingwiring.

As a corollary to the foregoing object, it is an important aim of thepresent invention to provide an adaptor as aforesaid for connectingaccessory electrical apparatus with the ignition coil terminals whichmay be of ei- I Another important object of thepresent invention is toprovide an adaptor as aforesaid which is capable of accommodatingdifferent terminal spacings to permit the adaptor to be used with mostU.S. and foreign automotive vehicles.

Still another important object of this invention is to provide adisconnect for use in conjunction with accessory electrical apparatusthat is normally connected to the ignition coil of a vehicle, whereinthe disconnect is not characterized by the disadvantages discussedabove, permits selective connecting and disconnecting of the accessoryapparatus with the ignition coil, and enables the original ignitionsystem to return to regular operation when the accessory apparatus isdiscon- FIG. Sis a view illustrating the installation of the adaptor onan ignition coil having post type terminals;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the installed adaptor and coil shown inFIG. 5; g

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the adaptor modified foruse with an ignition coil having tab type terminals;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of anignition coil having-tab type terminals,showing the adaptor installed thereon;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are detail views showing one of the two tab componentsforming a part of the adaptor assembly;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the connectors rotatedinwardly and provided with the tab components to adapt the assembly foruse with post type terminals of significantly reduced spacing;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view illustrating the manner in which theassembly of FIG. 11 is installed on the ignition coil terminals;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic and electrical schematic diagram illustratingthe manner in which the adaptor connects an accessory capacitivedischarge ignition system with the existing ignition components of avehicle;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view showing the disconnect feature of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the shorting of the leadsthat returns the standard ignition to regular operation.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, the adaptor -is broadly denoted by thenumeral 20 and includes a mounting member 22 in the form of a flexiblestrip of insulating material, such as a suitable plastic. A femalepush-on connector 24 is secured to each end portion of the strip 22 by arivet 26. It should be noted thatithe connector 24 is adapted to receivea tab type terminal, and is Lshaped to permit convenient attachment tothe strip 22 by the rivet 26 with the connector projecting outwardlyfrom the strip at approximately a right angle. The two connectors 24 arespaced apart a distance equal to approximatelythe-spacing between theterminals to be accommodated, as will be discussed hereinafter.

screws 28 and associated nuts 30 are locatedon the strip 22 between theconnectors 24, the threaded A pair of connectingdevices in the form ofmachine I shanks of the screws 28 extending through suitable openings inthe strip. A ring lug 32 is slippedover the shank of each screw 28 andis securely held by the nut 30. The two ring lugs 32 are on the ends ofa pair of leads 34 that extend from the adaptor 20. Two additional leads36 extend through apertures 38 in the strip 22 and are electricallyconnected to the connectors 24 by the attaching rivets 26.

Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a tab component 40 is illustratedhaving a base portion 42 and a pair of tab elements 44 extending fromthe base 42 at approximately a right angle and a 135 angle respectively.The tab component 40 is a metal stamping and, if desired, may beprovided with the 90 tab element 44 only. The base portion 42 has anopening 46 therein for a purpose which will become apparent hereinafter.

. The ignition coils supplied as original equipment in currentlymanufactured U.S. automobiles have a pair of low voltage terminals ofthe threaded post type which are commonly provided with a simple nut tohold a spade lug or the like in place and form a positive electricalconnection. However, foreign made automobiles (particularly British andEuropean) utilize ignition coils with tab type low voltage terminalsthat receive push-on connectors such as illustrated at 24 as a party ofthe adaptor of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the top of anignition coil 48 is shown of the type used by some US. manufacturers,one of the post type terminals 50 being illustrated together with itsassociated nut 52. In FIG. 6, both of the terminal posts 50 may be seenon opposite sides of the center, high voltage terminal 54. The adaptor20 of the present invention is shown installed on the terminal posts 50,it being required that the two tab components 40 be slipped on the posts50 in order to convertthe same to a configuration compatible with thepush-on connectors 24. The tab components 40 illustrated in FIGS. and 6are of the type having only a single tab element 44 for purposes ofclarity; the elements 44 may be easily bent to any desired angle withrespect to the base 42. The openings 46 receive the posts 50 and thenuts 52 are threaded in place to provide a simple yet mechanically solidinstallation.

The wires that were previously connected to the posts 50 are nowconnected to the junctions formed by the screws 28 and associated nuts30. This is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 where it may be seen that thetwo spade lugs 56 previously connected to the posts 50 are now securedbeneath respective nuts 30 and are thus clamped in place in contact withthe ring lugs 32. Accordingly, the installation is complete withoutrequiring wire splices, and the four leads 34, 36 are available forconnection to the accessory ignition. In a standard ignition system, thetwo wires terminating in the spade lugs 56 are connected to one terminalof the vehicle battery and the breaker points, respectively.

The flexibility of the strip 22, together with the rotation of theconnectors 24 permitted by the rivets 26, permit the spacing between theconnectors 24 to be varied to accommodate minor variations in terminalpost spacing that will occur with different ignition coils. However,certain commercially available ignition coils (such as utilized by theFord Motor Company) have significantly reduced terminal spacing whichcannot be accommodated by the flexure of the strip 22 or slight rotationof the connectors 24. Accommodation of these more closely spacedterminals is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 where it may be seen thatthe connectors 24 are rotated inwardly 90 to positions of minimumspacing therebetween. With the tab components 40 in place (using a 90angle between the tab element 44 and the base portion 42) theinstallation is effected as depicted in FIG. 12 where the tab componentsare shown secured to the threaded posts 50a by the associated nuts 52a.Otherwise, the installation is the same as discussed above with respectto FIGS. 5 and 6.

In FIG. 8 an ignition coil 58 is illustrated having a pair of terminals60 of the tab type, as commonly utilized in British and Europeanautomobiles. Installation in this case is effected by simply slippingthe female connectors 24 onto the terminal tabs 60, the spacing betweenthe tabs 60 being essentially the same as the spacing between theterminal posts 50 of the ignition coil of the type illustrated in FIGS.5 and 6. Minor variations in spacing from coil to coil are accommodatedby the flexibility of the strip 22. The two tab components 40 are nowused in conjunction with the screws 28 and are held in place by the nuts30. Accordingly, the two wires previously connected to the terminals 60are now connected to the adaptor by mating their female push-onconnectors 62 with the projecting tab elements 44 as best illustrated inFIG. 7.

An exemplary installation diagram is shown in FIG. 13 and illustratesthe use of the present invention in connecting a capacitive dischargeignition module 64 to the ignition coil 48. Conventional ignitioncomponents include the vehicle battery 66, the ignition switch 68, aballast resistor 70, the condenser 72, breaker points 74, and thebreaker cam 76 for operating the points 74. The four leads 34, 36 fromthe adaptor 20 are formed into a cable and extend to the accessoryignition module 64, one of the cable leads being shown grounded to thevehicle chassis. FIG. 13 illustrates the function of the adaptor 20 inmaking electrical connections between the module 64 and the ungroundedside of the battery potential, the breaker points 74, and the ignitioncoil terminals.

In FIGS. 14 and 15 the four leads 34, 36 are shown terminating in a maleelectrical connector unit 78 and a female electrical connector unit 80.The four leads are shown divided into two pairs, each of the leads 36being associated in the same lead pair with the lead 34 which extendsfrom the connector screw 28 that is not adjacent the connector 24 fromwhich such lead 36 extends. The units 78 and 80 are not illustrated indetail, it being understood that the male unit 78 within its case has apair of jacks which receive a corresponding pair of plugs within thecase of the female unit 80, when the two units are mated as illustratedin FIG. 15. This shorts the lead 34 and 36 extending from each connector24 and the adjacent connector screw 28 to return the wiring to the sameelectrical configuration as existed prior to installation of the adaptor20.

However, during normal use of the adaptor 20, the male and female units78 and 80 are mated with corresponding female and male units 82 and 84respectively to connect the four leads 34, 36 to the accessory ignitionmodule 64. This is illustrated in FIG. 14 where it may be seen that theunits 82 and 84 are electrically connected to two pairs of leadextensions 86 and 88 respectively. To protect the units 82 and 84 whenthe accessory module 64 is disconnected, the units 82 and 84 arepreferably mated (in addition to the units 78 and 80) to preventcorrosion and contact with engine oil.

Accordingly, whether or not the accessory ignition 64 is connected inthe circuit, the units 78, 80, 82 and 84 are not left disconnected andat all times remain with the accessory wiring.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:

is provided means mounting said connectors on said member for pivotalmovement toward each other from normal dispositions to positions ofminimum spacing to accommodate said terminals having correspondinglyreduced spacing therebetween.

6. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided fourleads electrically connected to corresponding connectors and connectingposts and extending therefrom for connection to said accessoryelectrical apparatus.

7. In combination with the adaptor as claimed in claim 6, a first maleelectrical connector unit on a first said terminals, said connectorsbeing compatible with said terminals of the tab type;

a pair of connecting posts on said member and extending in a seconddirection; and

a pair of tab components having first means for mating with saidconnectors and second means for mating with said connecting posts, saidsecond means being compatible with said terminals of the post type,

whereby when said adaptor is used with an ignition coil of the tab typesaid connectors engage the tab terminals of the ignition coil and saidtab components adapt said compatible electrical connection means forconnection to said connecting posts and when said adaptor is used withan ignition coil of the post type said compatible electrical connectionmeans engage said connecting posts and said tab components adapt thepost terminals of the ignition coil for connection to said connectors.

2. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting member isflexible to permit minor variation in the spacing between saidconnectors to accommodate variations in the spacing of said terminals.

3. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said connectingposts has a threaded fastener extending through said member, and whereineach of said tab components has an opening therein comprising saidsecond means for receiving a corresponding fastener when the adaptor isused with an ignition coil having terminals of the tab type, and forreceiving an ignition coil post when the adaptor is used with anignition coil having terminals of the post type.

4. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said member comprises aflexible strip of said insulating material having a pair of opposed endportions to which said connectors are respectively attached, and whereinsaid connecting posts are secured to said strip between said connectors.

5. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein there pair of said leads,a first female electrical connector unit on a second pair of said leads,four extensions of. said leads, a second male electrical connector uniton a first pair of said extensions and normally mated with said firstfemale unit, and a second female electrical connector unit on a secondpair of said extensions and normally mated with said first male unit,wherein said leads are arranged to cause shorting across each of saidadaptor connectors and a corresponding connecting post upon uncouplingof said units and mating of said first male and female units.

8. Apparatus for selectively connecting and disconnecting an accessoryignition system with an ignition coil having a pair of terminals towhich the standard ignition system was directly wired prior toinstallation of said accessory system, said apparatus comprising:

an adaptor having a pair of connectors engageable with said terminals,and a pair of connecting devices insulated from said connectors forreceiving the wiring of the standard system disconnected from saidterminals;

a plurality of leads electrically connected to said connectors andconnecting devices;

a first male electrical connector unit on a first pair of said leads;

a first female electrical connector unit on a secon pair of said leads;

a plurality of extensions of said leads for connection to said accessorysystem;

a second male electrical connector unit on a first pair of saidextensions and normally mated with said first female unit; and i asecond female electrical connector unit on a second pair of saidextensions and normally mated with said first male unit,

said leads being arranged to cause shorting across each of said adaptorconnectors and a corresponding connecting device upon uncoupling of saidunits and mating of said first male and female units, whereby todisconnect said accessory system and return said standard system toregular operation.

1. An adaptor for connecting accessory electrical apparatus with an ignition coil having a pair of spaced terminals of either the tab type or the post type which are normally engaged by compatible electrical connection means, said adaptor comprising: a mounting member of insulating material; a pair of tab-receiving connectors on said member eXtending in a first direction and spaced apart a distance equal to approximately the spacing between said terminals, said connectors being compatible with said terminals of the tab type; a pair of connecting posts on said member and extending in a second direction; and a pair of tab components having first means for mating with said connectors and second means for mating with said connecting posts, said second means being compatible with said terminals of the post type, whereby when said adaptor is used with an ignition coil of the tab type said connectors engage the tab terminals of the ignition coil and said tab components adapt said compatible electrical connection means for connection to said connecting posts and when said adaptor is used with an ignition coil of the post type said compatible electrical connection means engage said connecting posts and said tab components adapt the post terminals of the ignition coil for connection to said connectors.
 2. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting member is flexible to permit minor variation in the spacing between said connectors to accommodate variations in the spacing of said terminals.
 3. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said connecting posts has a threaded fastener extending through said member, and wherein each of said tab components has an opening therein comprising said second means for receiving a corresponding fastener when the adaptor is used with an ignition coil having terminals of the tab type, and for receiving an ignition coil post when the adaptor is used with an ignition coil having terminals of the post type.
 4. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said member comprises a flexible strip of said insulating material having a pair of opposed end portions to which said connectors are respectively attached, and wherein said connecting posts are secured to said strip between said connectors.
 5. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided means mounting said connectors on said member for pivotal movement toward each other from normal dispositions to positions of minimum spacing to accommodate said terminals having correspondingly reduced spacing therebetween.
 6. The adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided four leads electrically connected to corresponding connectors and connecting posts and extending therefrom for connection to said accessory electrical apparatus.
 7. In combination with the adaptor as claimed in claim 6, a first male electrical connector unit on a first pair of said leads, a first female electrical connector unit on a second pair of said leads, four extensions of said leads, a second male electrical connector unit on a first pair of said extensions and normally mated with said first female unit, and a second female electrical connector unit on a second pair of said extensions and normally mated with said first male unit, wherein said leads are arranged to cause shorting across each of said adaptor connectors and a corresponding connecting post upon uncoupling of said units and mating of said first male and female units.
 8. Apparatus for selectively connecting and disconnecting an accessory ignition system with an ignition coil having a pair of terminals to which the standard ignition system was directly wired prior to installation of said accessory system, said apparatus comprising: an adaptor having a pair of connectors engageable with said terminals, and a pair of connecting devices insulated from said connectors for receiving the wiring of the standard system disconnected from said terminals; a plurality of leads electrically connected to said connectors and connecting devices; a first male electrical connector unit on a first pair of said leads; a first female electrical connector unit on a second pair of said leads; a plurality of extensions of said leads for connection to said accessory system; a second male electrical connector unit on a first pAir of said extensions and normally mated with said first female unit; and a second female electrical connector unit on a second pair of said extensions and normally mated with said first male unit, said leads being arranged to cause shorting across each of said adaptor connectors and a corresponding connecting device upon uncoupling of said units and mating of said first male and female units, whereby to disconnect said accessory system and return said standard system to regular operation. 